Are doulas covered by private health insurance?

[RedPanda]

Just curious as to whether doulas are covered by private health? I'm thinking about my next pregnancy, and it's definitely something I'm considering. What are the rough costs?:detective:

[Lirael]

ummm, good question. i asked them and they had no idea lol.(by them i mean MBF) I think it would be on your extras cover?

[Celebrity]

No at this point we are not.

However I run classes which are claimable through selected Health Insurers.

[RedPanda]

Hmm, I am thinking of ditching the OB, and going with midwife care prenatally, and midwives and a doula for the birth. I loved my OB, but he's retiring, and given that I had a VB with minimal complications, I'm wondering if I even need an OB at my next birth. I guess if I ditch the OB, then I can put that money towards a doula. I don't know! It's so confusing!! LOL
I've got some time to think about it though - not pg yet!

[fai firinne]

Hi Hazellew,

Maybe a Birth Centre with midwife-led care and a personal doula might be a nice choice? Book in early, these special places tend be booked out well in advance! (The one nearest us in booked out 8 months in advance -pretty much you need to be making the phone call while your test stick is still drying LOL!)

Nope, no health cover for doulas yet.

A full birth package (4 pre-natals, 2 post-natals plus full labour & birth support) is around $800 - $1000. Some of the newer doulas charge $100 more per birth until they have attended a total of 8 births, and then charge the standard $800.

Some doulas who have to travel long distances to you may charge slightly more for petrol.

I read in the paper that the Baby Bonus is to be increased to $5000 soon. That will sure help couples afford homebirth, a private midwife and a private doula.

[Lirael]

that seems reasonable for 4 pre, 2 post natals and the birth.